Method and kit for playing a game using figurines

ABSTRACT

A method and kit for playing a game using figurines. The method includes: providing a plurality of figurines; and providing instruction associated with linking the plurality of figurines according to a selected condition. Each figurine is formed to substantially include physical characteristics associated with the figurine, and each figurine is representative of a story element selected from the group consisting of: a plot object, an anthropomorphic object, a setting object, and any combination thereof. The plurality of figurines include: one figurine representative of a plot object; one figurine representative of an anthropomorphic object; and one figurine representative of a setting object. The selected condition comprises one or more of: a story, an alphabetical order, removing one figurine from a set of figurines, moving one figurine in a set of figurines, adding one figurine to a set of figurines, and correlating the plurality of figurines according to a figurine characteristic.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, to the U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/925,770 to Randolph Compton andJulie Lake filed on 23 Apr. 2007, which is incorporated by referenceherein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to methods and kits for playing a game,specifically methods and kits for playing a game using figurines andinstruction.

2. Description of the Related Art

Games are often used for educational and/or entertainment purposes. Inparticular, several games are frequently employed test a player'smemory. For example, memory games and exercises are often used todevelop a person's capacity to observe and remember specific details,such as order, location, and physical characteristics. In addition, suchgames are commonly played with children for developing memory andobservation skills, and may be used for learning new groups of objects,such as shapes, letters, or animals.

Also, several games enable a user to tell a story by playing the game.For instance, games are often based on fairy tales or other familiarand/or fantastical stories. Further, several games include playingpieces which may be used as characters in a story. Similarly, severalgames include instructions or rules for moving playing pieces akin to aplot of a story. Moreover, several games include a board, or othersurface, for locating playing pieces like a story setting.

Additionally, because games often require several components and/orpieces for playing the game, it is often desirable to convenientlypackage all of the components of the game, including instructions, inone packaging for protection, storage, ease of use and/or merchandisingof the game. Some improvements have been made in the field. Examples ofreferences related to the present invention are described below, and thesupported teachings of each reference are incorporated by referenceherein:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,850, issued to Ross, discloses a game and itsassociated method of play. The game contains a plurality of object areasin which game objects may be placed. Game objects are randomly added to,or removed from, the object areas one by one. Before the addition orremoval of each new object, the player is made to visualize a neutralfield of play that is either completely filled with game objects ordevoid of game objects. As such, each time a player views the objectareas, an additional game object has been added or removed, but theplayer does not know which object has just been added. Using memories ofthe object areas when last viewed, a player tries to identify which ofthe game objects present is the game object that was just added orremoved. If the player selects correctly, the cycle is repeated andanother game object is randomly added or removed. If the player selectsthe wrong game object, the game ends.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,726, issued to Taylor, discloses an amusement gameand teaching aid is provided stimulating innovation, creativity,imagination, vocal expression, memory, native American Indian culture,history and exercising fundamental thinking and communications skillsand development of motor skills. A storyteller is provided with aplurality of story stones, with each story stone being imprinted with anative American Indian hieroglyphic symbol and legend characterizing adifferent subject of the story being told, whether it be a true story ofhistory or a randomly made up story by the storyteller. On successfullycompleting the telling of the story, the storyteller ties one knot inthe jute rope.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,716,069, issued to T. A. Loayza, discloses a gamecomprising a combination, a plurality of playing implements representinganimated objects mentioned in a story, said implements being playable toform groups, and additional playing implements representing places forsaid groups to meet in conformity with the story, and a devicerepresenting a principal animated object or thing mentioned in thestory, all these items being used in such a manner as to tell a completestory, and the first player who succeeds in telling the story beingconsidered the winner of the game.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,363,482, issued to Goldfarb, discloses an electronicgame apparatus facilitates the playing of a parlor game. The gameapparatus generates a series of player-interrogation signals, anddefines a corresponding “correct” sequence of auditory andswitch-closure responses by the players (or player). The correctsequence is defined in accordance with established game rules that areknown to the player(s). The game apparatus receives actual auditory andswitch-closure responses from the player(s), compares the responses withthe correct sequence, and indicates visually and auditorily whether eachresponse is correct.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,364,315, issued to Velke III, discloses a game kit forplaying a variety of outdoor games, comprising a plurality ofanimal-shaped game pieces, wherein each of the game pieces has at leastone light-emitting device and at least one sound-emitting device; aplurality of radio frequency receivers, wherein each of the receivers isencased within an animal-shaped game piece and is operable to activatethe light-emitting device and the sound-emitting device; at least oneradio frequency transmitter adapted to be worn by a player and operableto activate the radio frequency receivers; and a container for storingand transporting the game kit components. Each of the receivers isactivated when a player wearing a transmitter enters a predetermineddetection zone around each of the receivers, thereby causing thelight-emitting device to emit light and the sound-emitting device toemit sound. The game kit preferably includes other components, such as aflag, a game book, a stopwatch, and balloons.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No.: 2005/0230914, by Campbell,discloses a game for use by a plurality of players. The game comprises abag, a scoop for each player, a plurality of game pieces and a timer. Inuse, and in a starting arrangement of the game, the pieces are disposedin the bag. Each piece bears at least one visually-perceptible letterand a corresponding Braille representation of the letter. The pieces aresufficient in number such that, in use, and from the startingarrangement, each player can, in turn, manually-manipulate the scoopprovided for the player to randomly withdraw from the bag a respectivegroup of pieces, said group containing a sufficient number of gamepieces to permit said pieces to be arranged in at least one subgroupwherein the letters of said pieces form a word. The timer demarcates aperiod of time in which each player can arrange the pieces to formwords.

The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages,which include: being expensive, being difficult to use, not beingentertaining, not being educational, not having several different gamesin one packaging, not having figurines which may be collected, traded,and/or used to tell a story, not being able to be used as a toy and/or alearning device, not being a convenient size, not being portable, and/ornot being contained in a single package.

What is needed is a method and kit for playing a game that solves one ormore of the problems described herein and/or one or more problems thatmay come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becomingfamiliar with this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the presentstate of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems andneeds in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currentlyavailable games, game methods, and game kits. Accordingly, the presentinvention has been developed to provide a method and kit for playing agame.

In one embodiment of the invention, there may be a method for playing agame using figurines, which may include the steps of: providing aplurality of figurines; and/or providing instruction associated withlinking the plurality of figurines according to a selected condition.Each figurine may be formed to substantially include physicalcharacteristics associated with the figurine, and/or each figurine maybe representative of a story element selected from the group consistingof: a plot object, an anthropomorphic object, a setting object, and/orany combination thereof. The plurality of figurines may include: atleast one figurine representative of a plot object; at least onefigurine representative of an anthropomorphic object; and/or at leastone figurine representative of a setting object. The selected conditionmay include one or more selected from the group consisting of: a story,an alphabetical order, removing at least one figurine from a set offigurines, moving at least one figurine in a set of figurines, adding atleast one figurine to a set of figurines, and/or correlating theplurality of figurines according to a figurine characteristic.

In another embodiment of the invention, the plot object may include oneor more selected from the group consisting of: a shiny object, a highvalue to weight ratio object, a currency object, and/or a rare object.In still another embodiment of the invention, the setting object mayinclude one or more selected from the group consisting of: a theatricalproperty, an interior design accessory, a landscape accessory, anarchitectural accessory, a tool, a food, a vessel, a vehicle and/or anobject recognizable by a child. In still yet another embodiment of theinvention, the condition of removing at least one figurine from a set offigurines may include: a first player removing at least one figurinefrom a set of figurines; and/or a second player removing at least onefigurine from the set of figurines. A winner may be determined uponleaving one figurine in the set. In even another embodiment of theinvention, the set of figurines may be arranged in at least one row,and/or the first player and/or the second player may each remove atleast one figurine from one row. In even still another embodiment of theinvention, the figurine characteristic may selected from the groupconsisting of: similarities, differences, size, function, shape, speed,preference, rarity, color, geographic habitat, composition, texture,appearance, and/or any combination thereof.

In even yet another embodiment of the invention, there may be a methodfor playing a game using figurines, comprising the steps of: linking aplurality of figurines, and/or viewing instructions associated withlinking the figurines according to a selected condition. Each figurinemay be representative of a story element selected from the groupconsisting of: a plot object, an anthropomorphic object, a settingobject, and/or any combination thereof. The plurality of figurines mayinclude: at least one figurine representative of a plot object; at leastone figurine representative of an anthropomorphic object; and/or atleast one figurine representative of a story object.

In an additional embodiment of the invention, each figurine may beformed to substantially include physical characteristics associated withthe figurine. In still an additional embodiment of the invention, theselected condition may include linking the figurines through a story. Inyet an additional embodiment of the invention, the selected conditionmay include linking the figurines through an alphabetical order. Instill yet an additional embodiment of the invention, the selectedcondition may include: a first player removing at least one figurinefrom a set of figurines; and/or a second player removing at least onefigurine from the set of figurines. A winner may be determined uponleaving one figurine in the set. In even an additional embodiment of theinvention, the set of figurines may be arranged in at least one row,and/or the first player and/or the second player each remove at leastone figurine from one row. In even still an additional embodiment of theinvention, the selected condition may include correlating the pluralityof figurines according to a figurine characteristic, and/or the figurinecharacteristic may be selected from the group consisting of:similarities, differences, size, function, shape, speed, preference,rarity, color, geographic habitat, composition, appearance, texture,and/or any combination thereof.

In even yet an additional embodiment of the invention, there may be akit for playing a game using figurines. The kit may include: a pluralityof figurines; and/or an instruction set associated with the plurality offigurines, which may include instructions for linking the figurinesaccording to a selected condition. Each figurine may be representativeof a story element selected from the group consisting of: a plot object,an anthropomorphic object, a setting object, and/or any combinationthereof.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the plurality of figurines mayinclude: at least one figurine representative of a plot object; at leastone figurine representative of an anthropomorphic object; and/or atleast one figurine representative of a setting object. In still afurther embodiment of the invention, each figurine may be formed tosubstantially include physical characteristics associated with thefigurine. In yet a further embodiment of the invention, the selectedcondition may include linking the figurines in an alphabetical order. Ineven a further embodiment of the invention, the selected condition mayinclude linking the figurines according to a figurine characteristic,and/or the figurine characteristic may be selected from the groupconsisting of: similarities, differences, size, function, shape, speed,preference, rarity, color, geographic habitat, composition, appearance,texture, and/or any combination thereof. In even still a furtherembodiment of the invention, the selected condition may include: a firstplayer removing at least one figurine from a set of figurines; and/or asecond player removing at least one figurine from the set of figurines.A winner may determined upon leaving one figurine in the set. In evenyet a further embodiment of the invention, the set of figurines may bearranged in at least one row, and/or the first player and/or the secondplayer each remove at least one figurine from one row.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language does not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the present invention should be or are in anysingle embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to thefeatures and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language,throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to thesame embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that theinvention can be practiced without one or more of the specific featuresor advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additionalfeatures and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments thatmay not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become morefully apparent from the following description and appended claims, ormay be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, amore particular description of the invention briefly described abovewill be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that areillustrated in the appended drawing(s). It is noted that the drawings ofthe invention are not to scale. The drawings are mere schematicsrepresentations, not intended to portray specific parameters of theinvention. Understanding that these drawing(s) depict only typicalembodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered tobe limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explainedwith additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawing(s), in which:

FIG. 1 is a partially broken away perspective view of a kit for playinga game using figurines, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a figurine, according to one embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for playing a game using figurines,according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an illustrated diagram of a method for playing a game usingfigurines, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an illustrated flow chart of a method for playing a game usingfigurines, according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is an illustrated flow chart of a method for playing a game usingfigurines, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodimentsillustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations andfurther modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, andany additional applications of the principles of the invention asillustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant artand having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered withinthe scope of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,appearances of the phrases “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” andsimilar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, different embodiments, orcomponent parts of the same or different illustrated invention.Additionally, reference to the wording “an embodiment,” or the like, fortwo or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features arerelated, dissimilar, the same, etc. The use of the term “an embodiment,”or similar wording, is merely a convenient phrase to indicate optionalfeatures, which may or may not be part of the invention as claimed.

Each statement of an embodiment is to be considered independent of anyother statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identicallanguage characterizing each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodimentis identified as “another embodiment,” the identified embodiment isindependent of any other embodiments characterized by the language“another embodiment.” The independent embodiments are considered to beable to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claimsand/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly orexplicitly.

Finally, the fact that the wording “an embodiment,” or the like, doesnot appear at the beginning of every sentence in the specification, suchas is the practice of some practitioners, is merely a convenience forthe reader's clarity. However, it is the intention of this applicationto incorporate by reference the phrasing “an embodiment,” and the like,at the beginning of every sentence herein where logically possible andappropriate.

As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is, are,”“characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive oropen-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements ormethod steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the morerestrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.” A“figurine” is to be defined as a figure which is small, ornamental,molded, sculpted, and/or carved. “Anthropomorphic” is to be defined asascribing human form, attributes, motivation, behavior and/orcharacteristics to a being or thing not human, such as an inanimateobject, animal, or natural phenomena.

FIG. 1 illustrates a kit 10 for playing a game. The illustrated kit 10includes a plurality of figurines 12 and a container 14 configured tocontain the figurines 12. For example, one skilled in the art wouldappreciate that the figurines 12 may be any three-dimensional objectand/or figure which may be small, ornamental, molded, carved,statuesque, and/or sculpted. Accordingly, the figurines may have anysize, such as, but not limited to, a diameter of half an inch, one inch,two inches, and two-and-a-half inches. Further, the illustratedfigurines 12 are formed to include physical characteristics associatedwith the figurine. For instance, a pig figurine may include physicalcharacteristics associated with a pig, such as pink skin, a curly tail,a snout, pointed ears, and hooves. Similarly, an apple figurine mayinclude physical characteristics associated with an apple, such as acolored peel, seeds, and a stem.

Also, as shown, the container 14 is a bag. However, one skilled in theart would appreciate that the container 14 may be any containerconfigured to contain figurines 12, such as, but not limited to: a box,a cup, a pouch, and an envelope. In addition, the illustrated kit 10includes instruction 16 for playing a game. For example, one skilled inthe art would understand that the instruction 16 may include printedrules and/or a story for playing a game. Some examples of suchinstruction 16 are as follows. The examples should not, however, beviewed as limiting the scope of the invention. The claims will serve todefine the invention.

INSTRUCTION EXAMPLE 1

Lay out five to eighteen figurines 12. Choose one figurine 12 and starta story using the figurine 12 as the subject material. Ask the otherplayer(s) to do the same until the entire story is woven. Alternatively,using the same figurines 12 for subject matter, tell the story “popcorn”style, where story-tellers blurt out pieces of the story as they imagineit. As another alternative, instead of laying out the figurines 12,leave the figurines 12 in the container 14. Take turns pulling out onefigurine 12 at a time, and tell a story in the order in which eachfigurine 12 is pulled. As a further alternative, the player(s) read astory provided by the instruction 16 and the player(s) use(s) his or herfigurines 12 to act out the story, thereby enabling multiple players tointeract with other players.

INSTRUCTION EXAMPLE 2

Lay out three figurines 12 in one row, five figurines 12 in a secondrow, and seven figurines 12 in a third row. Take turns removing as manyfigurines 12 as desired from any one row, but only from one row at atime. The winner is the player who leaves just one figurine 12: theloser is the player who has to pick it up.

INSTRUCTION EXAMPLE 3

Lay out five to eighteen figurines 12. Ask other players to look at thembriefly and then to look away or close their eyes. Move one figurine 12.Ask the other players “What's moved?” If there are more than twoplayers, have the players hold their guesses until everyone has theiranswers. Then, have the players take turns answering the question,“What's moved.” Alternatively, more than one figurine may be moved at atime. As another alternative, remove one or more figurines 12 and ask,“What were they?” Still, as an additional alternative, add one or morefigurines 12 and ask, “What's new?”

INSTRUCTION EXAMPLE 4

Lay out five to eighteen figurines 12. Arrange the figurines 12 inalphabetical order. Alternatively, arrange the figurines 12 inreverse-alphabetical order. As another alternative, arrange thefigurines 12 in a row so that the first or last letter of the object ofeach figurine 12 is used to spell a word and have the other player guesswhat word was created.

INSTRUCTION EXAMPLE 5

Lay out all figurines 12. Arrange the figurines 12 in groups accordingto similarities and differences. Explain your reasoning, or have theother players guess.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a figurine 12. As shown, thefigurine 12 is representative of story elements 22, such as, but notlimited to: a plot, a character, and a setting. One skilled in the artwould appreciate that the figurine 12 may be a plot object 24, which isrepresentative of a plot or quest, such as, but not limited to: a shinyobject, a high value to weight ratio object, a currency object, and arare object.

For example, one skilled in the art would appreciate that a shiny objectmay be any object which has a bright and/or glossy appearance and/orreflects light, such as, but not limited to: gold and other metals,glass, crystal, and polished rocks. Similarly, one skilled in the artwould understand that a high value to weight ratio object may includeobjects, such as, but not limited to: gold, silver, diamonds, rubies,emeralds, sapphires, and other precious metals and gemstones. Likewise,one skilled in the art would appreciate that a currency object may beany object used for trade or exchange, such as, but not limited to:coins, bills, notes, and paper money. In addition, one skilled in theart would understand that a rare object may be any object which isuncommon, unnatural, unusual, and/or few in number and widely separated,such as, but not limited to: diamonds, endangered plants, endangeredanimal species, collectable stamps, collectable coins, a Norman Rockwellpainting, a first edition of a book, a princess, and a queen. As aresult, a plot object 24 may be such as, but not limited to: a piece ofjewelry, a gemstone, a mineral, a coin, a stamp, and a princess.

Similarly, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the figurine 12may be an anthropomorphic object 26, which may representative of acharacter, a subject, a protagonist, an antagonist, etc. of a story suchas, but not limited to: a person, an animal, or another object havinghuman motivation, characteristics, or behavior. For instance, someexamples of anthropomorphic objects 26 may include: a tree that talks, ateapot that sings, a dog that reads, and a statue that chews gum.

Further, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the figurine 12may be a setting object 28, which is representative of a story setting,such as, but not limited to: a theatrical property (or prop), aninterior design accessory, a landscape accessory, an architecturalaccessory, a tool, a food, a vessel, a vehicle, and an object likely tobe recognized by a child. For instance, a setting object 28 may be suchas, but not limited to: a book, a plant, a rock, a block, a wrench, ahammer, an animal, an apple, an orange, a bottle of milk, a bowl, aboat, a car, and a snowman.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method for playing a game using figurines. Asshown, the method includes the following steps: providing a plurality offigurines 30, each figurine associated with a plot object, ananthropomorphic object, and/or a setting object; and providinginstruction 16 for linking the figurines according to a selectedcondition 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35. As shown, the selected conditionsinclude: linking the figurines according to a story 31; linking thefigurines according to an alphabetical order 32; linking the figurinesaccording to a figurine characteristic 33; linking the figurinesaccording to which figurine(s) are missing, moved, and/or added 34; andlinking the figurines according to removal of a figurine from a row 35.

Further, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the step ofproviding a plurality of figurines 30, each figurine associated with aplot object, an anthropomorphic object, and/or a setting object mayinclude providing an object which is three-dimensional and/or a figurewhich may be small, ornamental, molded, carved, statuesque, and/orsculpted and which is representative of story elements 22, such as, butnot limited to: a plot, a character, and/or a setting. As a result, oneskilled in the art would appreciate that the figurines provided may beselected from categories, such as, but not limited to: beverages, foods,animals, persons, symbols, work tools, treasure hunts, jewelry,tableware, blocks, charms, kitchen tools, items from nature, itemsassociated with music, and books.

In operation of one embodiment of the invention, the figurines arelinked according to a story 31. Initially, a player lays out five toeighteen figurines. Then, the player chooses one figurine and starts astory using the figurine as the subject material. Then, each subsequentplayer does the same until the entire story is woven and/or all of thefigurines have been chosen. Alternatively, using the same figurines forsubject matter, the players tell the story “popcorn” style, where eachplayer blurts out pieces of the story as they imagine it. As anotheralternative, instead of laying out the figurines, the figurines are leftin the container. The players then take turns pulling out one figurineat a time, and tell a story in the order in which each figurine ispulled.

In operation of another embodiment of the invention, the figurines arelinked according to an alphabetical order 32. First, a player lays outfive to eighteen figurines. Next, the player arranges the figurines inalphabetical order. Alternatively, the player arranges the figurines inreverse-alphabetical order.

In operation of still another embodiment of the invention, the figurinesare linked according to a figurine characteristic 33. Initially, aplayer lays out all of the figurines. The player then arranges thefigurines in groups according to similarities and differences.Additionally, one skilled in the art would understand that the figurinesmay be arranged according to any group, such as, but not limited to:similarities, differences, size, speed, preference, rarity, color,geographic habitat, composition, appearance, animate, inanimate, and/ortexture. After the play has arranged the figurines in groups, the playerexplains his or her reasoning, or has the other players guess his or herreasoning.

In operation of yet another embodiment of the invention, the figurinesare linked according to which figurine(s) are missing, moved, and/oradded 34. First, a player lays out five to eighteen figurines. Then, theplayer asks the other players to briefly look at the figurines and thento look away or close their eyes. The player then moves one figurine.Next the player has the other players look at the figurines, and asksthe other players “What's moved?” If there are more than two players,the player has the other players hold their guesses until everyone hastheir answers. Then, the player has the other players take turnsanswering the question, “What's moved.” Alternatively, the player maymove more than one figurine at a time. As another alternative, theplayer may remove one or more figurines and ask, “What were they?”Still, as an additional alternative, the player may add one or morefigurines and ask, “What's new?”

In operation of still yet another embodiment of the invention, thefigurines are linked according to removal of a figurine from a row 35.Originally, a player lays out three figurines in a first row, fivefigurines in a second row, and seven figurines in a third row. Theplayers then take turns removing as many figurines as desired from anyone row, but only from one row at a time. The winner is the player wholeaves just one figurine: the loser is the player who picks the figurineup.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method for playing a game using figurines. Asshown, the method includes linking a plurality of figurines 12 accordingto an alphabetical order 44. Also illustrated, the method includeslinking a sub-group of figurines 12 (such as figurines 12 whichrepresent food) according to an alphabetical order 42. As illustrated,the sub-group of figurines 12 includes figurines 12 which representfood. However, one skilled in the art would appreciate that anysub-group may be used for linking the figurines 12 according to analphabetical order, such as, but not limited to: beverages, foods,animals, persons, symbols, work tools, treasure hunts, jewelry,tableware, blocks, charms, kitchen tools, items from nature, itemsassociated with music, and books.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method for playing a game using figurines 12. Asillustrated, the method includes linking, or grouping, a plurality offigurines 12 according to a figurine characteristic 54. As shown, thefigurine characteristics 54 include the following: animals, weather,fruit, and vehicles. However, one skilled in the art would appreciatethat the figurine characteristics 54 may be any characteristic, such as,but not limited to: similarities, differences, size, function, shape,speed, preference, rarity, color, geographic habitat, composition,texture, animate, inanimate, appearance, and any combination thereof.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method for playing a game using figurines 12. Theillustrated method includes linking a plurality of figurines 12according to removal of a figurine from a row 62. In a first turn 63 afirst player removes any number of figurines 12 from a row 62, andleaves voids 67 where the removed figurines 12 used to be for a secondturn 64 by a second player. The second player then removes any number offigurines 12 from a row 62, and leaves voids 67 where the removedfigurines 12 used to be disposed for the next player's turn 65. Eachplayer continues taking turns 63, 64, and 65, until a last figurine 68remains, and a final turn 66 is taken. During the final turn 66, theplayer's whose turn it is removes the last figurine 68. The player whoremoves the last figurine 68 loses the game. However, one skilled in theart would understand that as an alternative, the player who removes thelast figurine 68 may win the game.

Advantageously, the instruction 16 for linking the figurines accordingto a selected condition 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35 tests and/or enhancescognitive skills. For example, the instruction 16 may require and/orteach cognitive skills for playing the game, such as, but not limitedto: memory, recognition, linguistic, logical, mathematical, spatial,bodily, kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. Further, theinstruction 16 may require neuroplasticity for playing the game, whichis important for developing brain cognition and functioning.

It is understood that the above-described embodiments are onlyillustrative of the application of the principles of the presentinvention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Thedescribed embodiment is to be considered in all respects only asillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

For example, although the figures illustrate a plurality of figurines12, it is envisioned that the game method and kit 10 may include anynumber of figurines appreciated in the art, such as, but not limited to:five, fifteen, eighteen, and twenty-seven. As a result, one skilled inthe art would appreciate that the number of figurines 12 used for agame, or instruction 16, may vary according to the number of figurines12 available, or desired, for play.

Similarly, it is envisioned that the figurines 12 may have any size,shape, and/or characteristic appreciated in the art. For instances, the12 figurines may be representative of items such as, but not limited to:beverages, foods, animals, persons, symbols, work tools, treasure hunts,jewelry, tableware, blocks, charms, kitchen tools, items from nature,items associated with music, and books.

Likewise, it is envisioned that the instruction 16 may includeinstruction 16, rules, guidelines, or stories, for any number of gamesappreciated in the art. For example, the instruction 16 may includeinstruction for one, two, five, or ten games. Further, the instruction16 may be cards which display images of the figurines 12. Additionally,although the figures illustrate that the container 14 may be anycontainer understood in the art configured to contain figurines 12, suchas, but not limited to, a box, a cup, a bag and an envelope.

It is also envisioned that the kit 10 may include a gameboard or otheraccessory for playing the game using figurines 12. For example, the kit10 may include an index for linking the figurines 12 according to analphabet 44, or according to a figurine characteristic 54. In anon-limiting example, the index may include an elongated memberincluding wells and/or holes. Each well and/or hole may be labeledaccording to the conditions of game, such as by the letter of thealphabet or according to a figurine characteristic. The hole(s) and/orwell(s) may be configured and/or formed to receive the figurine.

It is expected that there could be numerous variations of the design ofthis invention. For example the figurines 12 may be any size and/orshape appreciated in the art. For instance, the figurines may be athree-dimensional object which is representative of objects, such as,but not limited to: a plot object, an anthropomorphic object, and/or asetting object.

Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the kit 10 and methodmay be constructed of a variety of materials. For example, thecomponents of the kit may be comprised of materials, such as, but notlimited to: textiles, paper, wood, metal, plastic, glass, and/or rubber.

Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above withparticularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed tobe the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerousmodifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size,materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly anduse may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts ofthe invention as set forth in the claims.

1. A method for playing a game using figurines, comprising the steps of:providing a plurality of figurines, each figurine being formed tosubstantially include physical characteristics associated with thefigurine, and wherein each figurine is representative of a story elementselected from the group consisting of: a plot object, an anthropomorphicobject, a setting object, and any combination thereof, the plurality offigurines including: at least one figurine representative of a plotobject; at least one figurine representative of an anthropomorphicobject; and at least one figurine representative of a setting object;and providing instruction associated with linking the plurality offigurines according to a selected condition; wherein the selectedcondition comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of: astory, an alphabetical order, removing at least one figurine from a setof figurines, moving at least one figurine in a set of figurines, addingat least one figurine to a set of figurines, and correlating theplurality of figurines according to a figurine characteristic.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the plot object comprises one or moreselected from the group consisting of: a shiny object, a high value toweight ratio object, a currency object, and a rare object.
 3. The methodof claim 1, wherein the setting object comprises one or more selectedfrom the group consisting of: a theatrical property, an interior designaccessory, a landscape accessory, an architectural accessory, a tool, afood, a vessel, a vehicle, and an object recognizable by a child.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the condition of removing at least onefigurine from a set of figurines comprises: a first player removing atleast one figurine from a set of figurines; and a second player removingat least one figurine from the set of figurines; wherein a winner isdetermined upon leaving one figurine in the set.
 5. The method of claim4, wherein the set of figurines is arranged in at least one row, andwherein the first player and the second player each remove at least onefigurine from one row.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the figurinecharacteristic is selected from the group consisting of: similarities,differences, size, function, shape, speed, preference, rarity, color,geographic habitat, composition, texture, appearance, and anycombination thereof.
 7. A method for playing a game using figurines,comprising the steps of: linking a plurality of figurines, wherein eachfigurine is representative of a story element selected from the groupconsisting of: a plot object, an anthropomorphic object, a settingobject, and any combination thereof, the plurality of figurinesincluding: at least one figurine representative of a plot object; atleast one figurine representative of an anthropomorphic object; and atleast one figurine representative of a story object; and viewinginstructions associated with linking the figurines according to aselected condition.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein each figurine isformed to substantially include physical characteristics associated withthe figurine.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the selected conditioncomprises linking the figurines through a story.
 10. The method of claim7, wherein the selected condition comprises linking the figurinesthrough an alphabetical order.
 11. The method of claim 7, wherein theselected condition comprises: a first player removing at least onefigurine from a set of figurines; and a second player removing at leastone figurine from the set of figurines; wherein a winner is determinedupon leaving one figurine in the set.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein the set of figurines is arranged in at least one row, andwherein the first player and the second player each remove at least onefigurine from one row.
 13. The method of claim 7, wherein the selectedcondition comprises correlating the plurality of figurines according toa figurine characteristic, and wherein the figurine characteristic isselected from the group consisting of: similarities, differences, size,speed, preference, rarity, color, geographic habitat, composition,appearance, texture, and any combination thereof.
 14. A kit for playinga game using figurines, the kit comprising: a plurality of figurines,each figurine representative of a story element selected from the groupconsisting of: a plot object, an anthropomorphic object, a settingobject, and any combination thereof; and an instruction set associatedwith the plurality of figurines, including instructions for linking thefigurines according to a selected condition.
 15. The kit of claim 14,wherein the plurality of figurines includes: at least one figurinerepresentative of a plot object; at least one figurine representative ofan anthropomorphic object; and at least one figurine representative of asetting object.
 16. The kit of claim 14, wherein each figurine is formedto substantially include physical characteristics associated with thefigurine.
 17. The kit of claim 14, wherein the selected conditioncomprises linking the figurines in an alphabetical order.
 18. The kit ofclaim 14, wherein the selected condition comprises linking the figurinesaccording to a figurine characteristic, wherein the figurinecharacteristic is selected from the group consisting of: similarities,differences, size, speed, preference, rarity, color, geographic habitat,composition, appearance, texture, and any combination thereof.
 19. Thekit of claim 14, wherein the selected condition comprises: a firstplayer removing at least one figurine from a set of figurines; and asecond player removing at least one figurine from the set of figurines;wherein a winner is determined upon leaving one figurine in the set. 20.The kit of claim 19, wherein the set of figurines is arranged in atleast one row, and wherein the first player and the second player eachremove at least one figurine from one row.